2000 KIA SPORTAGE
Created in 1944, Kia was Korea’s first builder of passenger cars. Today, the company sells its
products in over 130 countries and ranks 16th in importance among car manufacturers
worldwide. Kia’s North American experience includes the Festiva, which it built for Ford in the
1980s, and more recently, the Ford Aspire.
The Sportage is a small sport-utility vehicle along the lines of the Suzuki Vitara and the
Chevrolet Tracker. Its 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine develops 130 horsepower, and it can be
ordered with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.
Interior and cargo area
The Sportage is not as high off the ground as many 4X4 vehicles which facilitates access to the
front seats. However, rear access is complicated by narrow doors that do not open very wide.
The front seats are very comfortable for anyone of average height or less. The upper part of the
backrest curves too far forward, which tall people will find bothersome. Most drivers can easily
find a very good driving position but the seat is too low for short people.
The rear bench seats two average-sized adults but again, tall people will be bothered by the
integrated head restraints which curve too far forward. Head room is generous but leg room is
tight for tall individuals.
Low liftover and a flat floor make it easy to load the roomy cargo area. The rear hatch does not
open high enough to clear the head of a tall person.
Safety and convenience
The Sportage is well finished and relatively quiet. Storage spaces abound, and the climate control
system is efficient.
The Sportage is an ergonomically challenged vehicle. The radio is placed too low, under the vent
controls; the cruise controls and rear wiper control are hidden behind the steering wheel and turn
signal lever; and the cup holder is located under the central vent, blocking access to some of the
controls. The power window and rear wiper controls are not illuminated at night.
Safety-wise the Sportage has dual air bags, bright headlights, optional anti-lock brakes on the EX
version, and locking front head restraints which cannot, however, be raised high enough to
adequately protect tall people. The view is clear on all sides except to the rear, where it is
obstructed by the integrated rear-seat head restraints and the door-mounted spare tire.
Engine and transmission
The Mazda-designed four-cylinder engine develops rather modest power and torque at low
engine speed. This means that you almost have to drive the Sportage like a sports car, i.e. by
revving the engine. Below the 3,500 rpm mark, the Sportage will try your patience; above,
performance is honest, at best. The engine gets quite noisy in moderate to heavy acceleration.
Our Sportage had the most imprecise gearshift lever we have ever encountered in a test vehicle.
Fortunately, the transmission is well geared, clutch action is progressive and the transfer case is
easy to use.
On the road
The ride is generally smooth for a 4X4, but at the expense of roadholding, which is just average.
The Kia leans in turns, and suspension travel sometimes makes the vehicle pitch on rough
sections. This is not an invitation to sporty driving.
The steering is too slow, imprecise at centre, with poor road feel. The short turning radius
contributes to vehicle manoeuvrability. Braking is very good.
An inspection at the CAA-Quebec test centre showed that the frame and most of the suspension
parts are very sturdy. However, a number of components, including lines routed through the
front fenders and the gas tank filler pipe in the rear, are poorly shielded.
Conclusion
The Sportage is a small, honest, unpretentious 4X4 vehicle with a sturdy frame. However,
competition in this segment is ferocious. To compete, the Kia needs a more refined engine,
gearshift lever, steering and suspension. Product reliability in Quebec’s harsh climate is another
unknown.
FOR AGAINST
Manoeuvrability Vague steering
Smooth ride Modest engine performance
Comfortable seats Imprecise gearshift lever
Powerful brakes Controls to be relocated
Roomy cargo area Rear visibility
Good storage spaces Body roll in turns
2000 KIA SPORTAGE
Engine: 16-valve, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Horsepower: 130 h.p. @ 5,500 rpm
Torque: 127 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm Transmission: 5-speed manual; 4-speed
automatic
Suspension: independent/rigid axle Brakes: disc/drum
Length: 412.8 cm Width: 173 cm
Height: 165.1 cm Wheelbase: 264.9 cm
Weight: 1,520 kg Tires: P205/75R15
Towing capacity: 907 kg Air bags: standard dual
Fuel consumption:
-Transport Canada rating: city: 11.3 L/100 km (25.5 mpg); highway: 10.3 L/100 km (27.5 mpg)
-Test result: 12 L/100 (24 mpg)
Fuel tank capacity: 60 litres
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h : 11.5 seconds 60-100 km/h : 7.5 seconds
Competition: Chevrolet Tracker, Honda CR-V, Jeep TJ, Subaru Forester, Suzuki Vitara,
Toyota RAV4
Maintenance (amount may vary from dealer to dealer):
Frequency: 5 months/8,000 km; total cost to 100,000 km: $1,448
Warranty:
− Full basic coverage: 3 years/60,000 km
− Powertrain: 5 years/100,000 km
− Surface corrosion: 3 years/60,000 km
− Perforation damage: 5 years/unlimited mileage
− Emissions control system: 3 years/60,000 km (full coverage); 8 years/130,000 km
(catalytic converter, electronic control module and on-board diagnostic device)
Factory replacement parts:
Rear bumper: $896 Front brake disk: $135
Brake pads: $125 Muffler: $319
Front fender: $234
Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim-free
insurance record, female driver or male driver 30 to 40 years old): $725 to $990
Price according to trim line: Base model: $20,995; EX: $23,595
Main options:
Automatic transmission: $1,400 Air conditioning: $1,100 (except EX)
Leather and ABS: $1,950 Alloy wheels: $450 (except EX)
Price as tested: $25,545 Freight and preparation: $795
Dealers: Quebec: 15; Canada: 24
CAA-Quebec, October 1999
